HiNews
A study suggests that American friendships may be more robust than previously thought. Despite widespread concerns about increasing loneliness, the “American Friendship Project” reveals that most American adults have more friends than recent surveys have indicated.
Led by Natalie Pennington of Colorado State University, the study surveyed nearly 6,000 American adults in 2022 and 2023. The findings, published in the open-access journal PLOS ONE, show that the average American adult has four to five friends, a number consistent with data from 1970 to 2015. Only about 2 percent of participants reported having no friends, aligning with historical trends.
Quality Over Quantity
While the number of friends remains stable, many Americans expressed a desire for closer relationships. Over 75% of participants were satisfied with the number of friends they had, but 42% felt they were not as close to their friends as they would like to be. This longing for deeper connections highlights a significant aspect of modern social life.
Communication Trends
The study also sheds light on how Americans communicate with their friends. In-person interactions remain common, but phone calls and texting are also popular. Interestingly, college students reported meeting new friends at school and maintaining these friendships for shorter periods compared to the general adult population.
Implications for Wellbeing
The study underscores the importance of friendships for happiness and life satisfaction, that while the number of friends may not be declining, the quality of these relationships is where many Americans see room for improvement. The findings offer hope and a call to action for those seeking to deepen their social bonds.
